Clawhammer Ukulele Tutorial - 2 of 4 - Basic Backup

[@DRameyCRNA]

Richard, I'm in my 1st month of playing my 20 y/o tenor uke (stored in my closet, waiting for me to pick it up); using on-line video tutorials, I've learned the basic cords and beginning strumming and picking. Watching your clawhammer instructional videos are a blessing: makes playing "beginning ukulele" so much fun and musical... I love the bum-diddy and your style is just great. Your teaching style is clear and allows us beginners to play along quickly. Thanks for helping me make this ukulele play fun music!

[@mauricemittelmark]

You are a WONDERFUL teacher, gives me confidence that all I need to do is PRACTICE!

[@robkunkel8833]

Finally...an instructor with a voice!!! So many tutorial instructors need voice lessons. Good eye contact and sincerity too. I like this guy.

[@michellezalph2281]

Thank you, Richard, for the detailed explanation of the mechanics of playing the clawhammer, for keeping it slow and for an excellent lesson! I look forward to watching many more of your ukulele lessons! I also like the sound of your instrument! If you don't mind sharing what brand you're playing, I'd appreciate it. I also agree that it is enjoyable listening to your singing, too!

[@RichardHefner]

Thanks Michelle! The uke I'm playing in almost all my videos is a Larrivee. I don't think they make them anymore but there are some used ones that can be found. They still make guitars, of course... www.larrivee.com/

[@kagyu1]

I started searching on how to play Vincent Black Lightning, then realized Richard Thompson's picking was Banjo like. Started searching and found your ex folk site, saw a couple of You Tube vids . Yours is simply the most concise and easy to learn. Thank you for teaching us to make happy sounds!

[@patogden856]

Thanks Richard . I just got my ukulele today . Need a few more to get the strings changed and the tuner sorted . Can't wait to have a crack at this . Stretch my 70 yr old grey matter !!! So grateful to you for taking the time to make this series of video's . Godbless you Pat nz

[@EllenNacik]

Richard, thank you! Really nice, accessible instructional approach to basic clawhammer ukulele- appreciate that you took the time to make it available online for folks.

[@RameUkulele]

A fantastic tutorial! By far the easiest and clearest lessons to follow on youtube. 3 weeks into first playing the uke and thanks to these videos I'm gradually getting there (although at half speed!)

[@glennmcfar]

really enjoying your lessons.i have been playing the uke for about three years now and i love the little guys.(.i have 4 now )..4 days in and i have mastered the bum diddy and am on the drop thumb....its comin...i am thrilled ..i never thought that i was capable of this kind of magic..my goal is to play mountain dew with dropthumb this summer..so thanks again..glenn

[@anapaolaizquierdo]

I totally love "My dog has fleas". I recently found your channel. Thank you for a great series of videos.

[@RichardHefner]

Thanks for watching!

[@seailive]

been practicing all day with your greatly patient teaching, I might be able to play this in a week or more, sounds fantastic.

[@junkmandoman1]

Thank you Richard for posting these lessons.

[@paullandry5907]

You are an Amazing teacher! You communicate so well and are so patient with us so that we can duplicate what you are explaining.... Thank you so much for helping me out on this Richard! I'm enjoying these songs that I'm not familiar with also. PS: Love your voice and playing!

[@RichardHefner]

Thanks for the kind words Paul!

[@paullandry5907]

Of course! I'm really enjoying your channel man! :)

[@pixelpoet]

You've got a great teaching style sir! Keep putting out the vids.

[@illtakemanhattan]

Wonderful, patient instruction. Thank you!

[@dominicbutez8982]

Great lessons Richard. Friendly from France.

[@Novismom]

Thank you for making this series. My goal is to be proficient by August

[@andrapaitz4257]

You are so soothing to listen to. Have you considered doing an ASMR video?

[@RichardHefner]

Thank you Andra... Tell you the truth, I had to look up what an ASMR video is. I'm glad you find my voice soothing to listen to, but I think I'll leave the ASMR videos to the ASMR professionals.

[@wwoodesa]

Great video your teaching follows a very well thought out progression ... Thanks

[@RichardHefner]

Thanks Ellen... I appreciate you watching!

[@archiep9162]

This video is so HYPE, thanks for making it

[@luke1035]

Archie P hahaha I love the diversity in this comment section!

[@RichardHefner]

Thanks for the feedback pixelpoet... Glad you like the videos!

[@ultimatecockerdood]

Dude you rock! Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@ogstopper]

Great, helpful tutorial! Thank you!

[@MRHILLSY123]

What a great teacher

[@Kwood10]

Great lessons

[@sandramuehlhausen4406]

Your so patient

[@1Sewstuff]

Does the thumb always strike the bottom G string as a drone or does it move next to whichever string is the first bum in the "Bum Ditty?" Thanks!

[@glennclewis63]

Hi Richard, my "bums" are fairly anemic, particularly on the 2nd and 3rd strings (versus the 1st string). As often as not, I get very little sound when striking the string. I've been using my index finger because it feels more "natural" versus the middle finger (results are even worse when trying the middle finger). Is it just a matter of practicing more or should I look for a technique adjustment?

[@RichardHefner]

Most likely it's just a matter of practicing until it becomes natural... Keep it up!

[@GregVFilms]

Richard. I get the concept of the Clawhammer strum and I am practicing hard to perfect it. My question is playing songs. If I have a song with chords, how do I know what string to hit on the first strum? 1, 2 or 3?

[@RichardHefner]

If you're just playing basic backup you should be okay playing any string on the "bum" but it might be best to play the 3rd string unless it sounds weird for some reason. Since you're holding a chord down it should sound fine as long as you're holding the chord correctly.

[@judywilson8215]

Nyp